J Scholars/Interns

International Scholars have a responsibility to obey a special set of immigration laws while in the United States. In addition to these laws, international scholars must also abide by local, state, and federal laws and University policies that apply to them. Below are some of the more basic things that international scholars should do to make sure they maintain their J-1 status. You can also find information about your stay in the Visiting Scholar Handbook.

Check In/Attend Orientation with ISSS

All new J-1 scholars must check-in with ISSS by attending a mandatory orientation session. Your International Advisor will email you before your program start to set up your session. Check-in allows ISSS to:

collect copies of immigration documents (passport, visa, I-94, DS-2019)
report in the SEVIS system that the scholar has arrived on campus to begin his/her program
pass on essential information about the J scholar program

Maintain Health Insurance

J-1 and J-2 visa holders are required to purchase and maintain health insurance that meets the Department of State immigration requirements.

Cross-Cultural Exchange Activities

J-1 scholars are expected by immigration regulations to take part in cross-cultural exchange or socio-cultural activities on or around the campus. This can include attending ISU lectures or international festivals or traveling to nearby towns or cities and learning about the culture or history.

Don’t Work Illegally

J-1 Professors

If you are working as a professor at Illinois State University and are employed, you are legally allowed to work within your ISU contract.

Other Categories

Most scholars at ISU do not have employment as part of their program. If you believe that your program includes employment or payment, contact your International Advisor. All employment must be directly related to your program's original objectives. Scholars must receive prior permission from their International Advisor before receiving any form of payment or reimbursement for services rendered.

Reporting Changes

Personal Information

Immigration regulations state that J-1 scholars must report any change in address, phone number, email address, or name within 10 days of the change.

Please report these changes by emailing InternationalStudents@IllinoisState.edu (make sure to include your UID in the email).

Your Program

Your DS-2019 is an important document that needs to be kept up-to-date.

Whenever you receive a new DS-2019, read through it carefully, make sure the information is accurate, and sign it
Periodically look at your DS-2019 to make sure all the information is still up-to-date
Notify your International Advisor before you make changes in your teaching, research, or internship; transfer your program to another institution; or need to extend your program
J-1 visa holders are not allowed to change category within the US with some exceptions (e.g. a J-1 Research Scholar may not change to a J-1 Student Intern)

Keep your Passport Valid

You should keep your passport valid while you are in the U.S. Make sure you know the expiration date and begin the renewal process before it expires.

Contact the embassy or consulate of your home country in the U.S. for information on passport renewal processes.

Check with ISSS Before Traveling Outside the U.S.

You will need a valid travel signature on your DS-2019 from an International Advisor in order to re-enter the U.S. Your advisor will also look over your immigration documents and check that your SEVIS record is in "Active" status.

Please see the Travel section of our website for further details.

Avoid Criminal Activity

While in the U.S., you are required to obey federal, state, and local laws.

Leave the United States on Time

J-1 scholars must depart the U.S. within 30 days after the end date on their DS-2019 document or after completion of their program (whichever is sooner).